Issues - Growing Divide

Today, the top one percent of our society holds 24% of the total wealth in the country. This is the most intense concentration of wealth at the top of the ladder since 1929. At UFE, we believe that the growing economic division between the super-wealthy and the middle class is bad for our communities, our democracy, and our future.

Most Americans are unaware of how extreme the distribution of wealth in the U.S. is. They do know, however, that their idealized economy would be one in which wealth is well distributed among the rich, poor, and middle class. How can we make their wish a reality, and spread the word about the inequality prevailing in our country?

This is a fun read and a great way to raise community awareness of the real story behind the economic crisis and racial inequality. A friend of UFE sent this letter to the editor of his local paper (The Winchester Star) in response to a misguided attack on immigrants. And it got published! If you grew up on The Andy Griffith Show, you'll enjoy this...

"America has been fantastic" to Will Smith. The 43 year-old actor, who makes an average salary of $36 million and has an estimated net worth of $215 million, has "no problem" paying higher taxes for the good of the country. Here are eight reasons why you should agree that the rich should pay higher taxes.

The Trayvon Martin case illustrates that we still have a hard time dealing with issues of race in this country. The issue of racial injustice, coupled with economic injustice, is not likely to fade away. If current trends continue, we will witness widening gaps in income and wealth, as well as in education and incarceration rates.